impostor syndrome

American  

[im-pos-ter sin-drohm] / ɪmˈpɒs tər ˌsɪn droʊm /

Or imposter syndrome

noun

Psychology.

1. anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one's accomplishments to luck or other external forces.

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Usage

What is impostor syndrome? Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern of self-doubt in the face of evidence to the contrary—like that voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough. The phrase and concept is especially used in reference to women and members of minority groups who feel they've achieved undue or undeserving success in the workplace.

Etymology

Origin of impostor syndrome

Coined in 1978 by Pauline Rose Clance (born 1938) and Suzanne Imes (born 1944), U.S. psychologists, in a psychology journal article “The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention”

Example Sentences

Six Grammy nominees — producers, songwriters and best new artist contenders — gathered to discuss impostor syndrome, creative process and navigating stardom in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

Cirkut: Do we all have some sort of impostor syndrome?

From Los Angeles Times

Impostor syndrome means you’re still holding onto the person you were before.

From Los Angeles Times

Nancherla’s book of essays, “Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and Impostor Syndrome” was also released in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

The arbitrary nature of this career, how the impostor syndrome was enormous in him.

From Los Angeles Times